Today’s Note

Hey Lakeland, Connor here. It’s a relatively quiet weekend as the city comes back from a busy holiday season. I wouldn’t miss the very first First Friday of the year, and there are also a few comedy shows that you could hit after you walk through downtown. Here’s more to try out during the first weekend of 2024.

Events

Friday, Sept. 22

The Legendary Jon Corneal and His Compadres Live | Friday, Sept. 22 | 12-2:30 p.m. | Hillcrest Coffee, 119 Hillcrest St., Lakeland | Free entry | Grab a coffee and enjoy live music by country musician Jon Corneal and his band every Friday.
Shawn Rahn & Tito’s Latin Cuisine | Friday, Sept. 22 | 5-10 p.m. | The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Join Shawn Rahn at The Yard for a night of great music from 7-10 p.m. and enjoy delicious eats from Tito’s Latin Cuisine from 5-9 p.m.
Sparks & Wine Night Market | Friday, Sept. 22 | 6-9 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Price of purchase | Get permanent jewelry, create DIY succulents, shop from local vendors, and enjoy your favorite wines from Keel & Curley at this evening market.

Saturday, Sept. 23

Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, Sept. 23 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland, 210 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Find fresh produce, plants, and locally handcrafted items at this outdoor farmers market.
Fall Wreath Making with Bloombox Floral | Saturday, Sept. 23 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales | $85-$95 | Learn floral arranging techniques and take home your own autumn wreath made of dried + preserved flowers.
Anatomy & Asana: Your Knees | Saturday, Sept. 23 | 1-4 p.m. | Satya Life Yoga, 4684 Cleveland Heights Blvd., Lakeland | $50-$55 | This yoga workshop will teach you about building knee strength and stability to improve your practice.
Eala’s Bourbon and Blues Event | Saturday, Sept. 23 | 6-9 p.m. | Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar, 132 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | $100 | Celebrate the grand opening of Eala’s Speakeasy Event Space beneath Frescos with bourbon tastings and live blues music.

Sunday, Sept. 24

Lakeland Punk Rock Flea Market Vol. 7 | Sunday, Sept. 24 | 12-6 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Shop from 80+ eccentric vendors, grab a bite from your favorite local food truck, and rock out to live music.
Harvest Holler Corn Maze | Friday, Sept. 22-Sunday, Sept. 24 | Times vary | Harvest Holler Corn Maze, 950 Tavares Rd., Polk City | $12-$15 | Explore a corn maze and pumpkin patch, or take a hayride through this fall farm.
Stand-Up Sunday | Sunday, Sept. 24 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland | $10 | Local stand-up comedians will bring the jokes, and an open mic will follow the show.

100+ other events

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From the editor

Watch

“When Harry Met Sally” is on our fall watch list, but so are these 10+ films made in Lakeland. Fun fact: The directors of “Endure” and “The People Who Live There,” Joe O’Brien and Connor O’Brien, are actually father + son. Kevin O’Brien of “At the End of the Day” is unrelated.

Active

Who says you need to wait until January to set new goals? Check out our list of Lakeland’s gyms to find your new favorite. Pro tip: Many gyms offer free first consultations or classes — inquire directly to see what offers they have.

Eat

I’ve been on the hunt for Lakeland’s best crab Rangoon. So far, my top spot goes to Saigon Bistro in Lakeside Village, but the search is far from over. Tell me where to find your favorites, or stop by Saigon Bistro today, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., to test my theory.

Great Escapes

Our guide to Chincoteague, VA

Great Escapes: Our guide to Chincoteague, VA

Dip your toes into the Atlantic Ocean. | Photo by Rachel Taylor-Northam

Whether you’re taking a stroll on the beach, watching the Chincoteague ponies graze, or grabbing a scoop of ice cream from Island Creamery, this oceanside town is always a great time.

Why go: The island is home to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge where herds of wild ponies roam the marshland and beaches. Fun fact: The ponies have been living on the island for hundreds of years. Explore the history of the herd + check out this island guide for more recommendations.
Act like a local: You can’t go to a Mid-Atlantic beach without grabbing an Orange Crush. The refreshing cocktail, which was created at West Ocean City’s Harborside Bar & Grill in 1995, has been replicated up and down the coast.
Vrbo: This 4 BD, 2.5 BA waterfront home in the Smugglers Cove area offers a peaceful + private island experience. ($315/night)

Bonus message from our partner: If you’re looking to book this trip, Going offers all the affordable flight hacks from your home airport. Sign up here.*

Shop

MKT Weekend Shop 9.21 (Affiliate)

Wellness

It doesn’t get more luxurious than the Drowsy sleep mask, which is silky smooth on skin and completely light-blocking for the deepest sleep.

Eat

The Bentgo stackable lunch box includes two stackable containers, built-in silverware, and dividers to snugly fit food portions into individual compartments.

Drink

Your fall drink: A Negroni cocktail made with Ritual Zero Proof’s award-winning non-alcoholic spirits. You’ll skip the hangover and still get all the classic taste.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
LALtoday Team

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